Self Care Tips for Introverts.
Self-care does not mean the same thing for everyone; catering to oneself is different for different people. Men and women sometimes receive different self-care recommendations, as do introverts and extroverts. Despite how caring for one's self is sometimes portrayed in the media, self-care usually involves a good diet, exercise, and healthy sleep habits. Some people also include mindfulness or meditation in their self-care routine. All that seems like it should be the same for everyone, so why are introverts different?
Take Time For Yourself
In a busy world, it's hard to turn everything off and just sit quietly. That's exactly what most people need to do in times of stress. Introverts need a moment of solitude to reenergized and ground themselves. Where as extroverts, get reenergized by plenty social interactions. So get clarity on what drains you, and take time to step away from it. Even 15 minutes of quiet time can help introverts stay on track, and that's in addition to healthy eating habits, exercise, and proper sleep. This involves turning off devices, because distractions are taxing to anyone.
On the other hand, engaging in a hobby can also be a helpful form of self-care. Whether you enjoy listening to music or reading a book in a candle-lit space, gardening, or any other activity, be sure to carve some time out of your day for it. Boost your self-care regimen with Touch of August's natural, hand poured soy candles. Even some game time can be considered a form of self-care if you don't overdo it. If you're passionate about gaming, you may consider upgrading your internet to maximize your time spent with your hobby.
Tracking Your Healthy Habits
Smartwatches can now track all the important aspects of self-care, including alone time. Smartwatches and fitness trackers are great tools for tracking healthy habits. Monitoring these habits can help people identify the areas that they may need to work on, like improved sleep. Some smartwatches and smartphones have apps that turn off notifications for a certain period of time.
There are a lot of smartwatch options out there, but introverts looking to track their self-care routines will want one that includes a sleep tracker. Fitbits can track sleep, although they're limited in their ability to coordinate with smartphones. The Fitbit Versa 2 has one of the best sleep trackers for those who want to make sure they're getting enough shut-eye.
Smartwatches are also great for tracking exercise and nutrition. Many smartwatches track steps, and those that connect with a smartphone can be used for nutrition tracking as well.
Get Active
Being introverted doesn't mean someone is shy, or that they don't enjoy human interaction. However, the characteristics of introverted personalities may make interactions with new people uncomfortable.
Exercise is still an important part of self-care. Since team sports maybe a no-go, and even going to the gym can be overwhelming for some, it limits the various options of exercise. Introverts may be more comfortable exercising alone, which means activities like running or cycling may be a better fit. One calorie-burning solo exercise that gets you outdoors is rollerblading. Just be sure to take precautions by wearing a helmet and elbow pads and picking up a properly fitting pair of skates.
Just because an introvert enjoys solitude doesn't mean they're unhappy or loney. Quiet time with no distractions is essential to everyones well-being. It's also important for introverts to get social interaction when they need it. Instead of a busy gym, introverts can consider a running buddy. Interacting with one person is more enjoyable than a large group, and will still provide much needed social interaction. Loneliness isn't good self-care, and everyone needs a community.
So much of self-care is about recharging and replenishing our energy? In the comments share how you recharge and practice self-care.
This blog post is in collaboration with StopSuicide.
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by certified crisis response professionals.